Tennis League Rules & Regulations
Please also review our Terms & Conditions of Use.
League Structure
▸Seasons & Divisions
- •Seasons: The league operates on seasonal cycles with defined start and end dates
- •Divisions: Players are organized into divisions based on skill level (USTA ratings)
- •Division Types: Men's Singles, Women's Singles, Men's Doubles, Women's Doubles, Mixed Doubles
- •Capacity: Each division has minimum and maximum player limits. The minimum number of players is required to start a division
▸Season Format
All participants play with each player on a round-robin basis, competing in up to 6 matches depending on the number of registered players in their division.
Players who qualify will play 1-3 additional matches to determine division winners.
Match Pace: We recommend completing one match per week to finish the season on time.
▸Regional Restrictions
Seasons and divisions are regionally bound. Only players from the specified region (based on ZIP code) can register for regional divisions
Player Registration & Eligibility
▸Registration Requirements
- •Skill Level: Players must register for divisions that match their USTA rating level.
Players may register for either their current USTA level or one level higher (0.5 above their rating), consistent with USTA standards.
Partners may register for any division where their combined rating equals the division level. However, the two partners cannot differ by more than 1.0 level from each other.
- •Registration Period: Sign-ups are open until the season start date
- •Withdrawal: Players may withdraw from divisions before the season begins
- •Regional Restrictions: Your ZIP code determines which regional leagues you can join. Only players from the specified region can register for regional divisions
Division Requests & Waitlist
▸No Waitlist System
The league does not maintain a traditional waitlist. If a division is full or you don't see a division for your skill level, you can request additional options.
▸Requesting New Divisions
- •Use the "Contact Us" form to request additional divisions to be created
- •Request existing divisions to be expanded if possible
- •Provide your skill level and preferred division type when making requests
- •Administrators will review requests and create new divisions when feasible
Doubles Team Formation
▸Team Formation Options
- •Create a Team: Register for a doubles division and create a team, then invite a partner
- •Join Existing Team: Accept invitations from other players to join their team
- •Team-Up Requests: Request to join an existing team that needs a partner
- •Mixed Doubles: Teams must consist of one male and one female player
- •Same-Gender Doubles: Teams must consist of two players of the same gender
Matches Scheduling
▸Scheduling Algorithm
The league uses a round-robin algorithm to generate fair and balanced match schedules for all divisions.
▸Key Scheduling Principles
- •Round-Robin Format: The league uses a round-robin algorithm to generate matches, though players may not play all other players due to limited weeks in the season
- •Double Headers: In the final week, some players may have double headers to compensate for fewer total matches
- •Match Count Variation: It's possible that one or two players will have 1 match less than others due to odd numbers of participants
- •Flexible Reporting: There is no requirement to report match scores during their respective scheduled weeks
- •Week Guidance: The weekly breakdown serves as guidance only - matches can be reported at any time within the season timeframe
- •Season Boundaries: All matches must be completed and reported before the season end date
Scheduling Flexibility
The weekly schedule is designed to provide structure and guidance, but players have the flexibility to arrange matches at their convenience. This allows for better coordination between players' schedules while maintaining the competitive integrity of the league.
Match Play
▸Match Format
- •Format: Best of 3 sets with standard tennis scoring
- •Sets: First player to win 6 games with a 2-game advantage, or 7-5
- •Tiebreaks: 7-point tiebreak at 6-6 in any set
- •Scoring: Traditional tennis scoring (15, 30, 40, game)
▸Tennis Balls Provisioning
- •Fresh Cans Required: Both players must bring one fresh, unopened can of tennis balls to each match
- •Ball Selection: Players will decide together which can of balls to open and use for the match
- •Winner's Prize: The match winner receives the unopened can of balls from the loser
- •Ball Quality: Balls should be appropriate for the playing surface (hard court, clay, grass, etc.)
Score Reporting Features
▸Win by Default & Retirement
When reporting match scores, you have access to special features for handling incomplete matches:
- Use the "I Won by Default" button when your opponent doesn't show up for the match. No sets scores need to be entered for default wins
- Use the "Retired" checkbox when one of the match participants retired. Enter the score at the time of retirement
Points System & Standings
▸Match Points
- •Straight Sets Win (2-0): 3 points
- •3-Set Win (2-1): 2 points
- •3-Set Loss (1-2): 1 point
- •Straight Sets Loss (0-2): 0 points
Standings Ranking System
The league uses a hybrid ranking system that ensures fair competition even when players have different numbers of matches scheduled:
Primary Ranking: Win Percentage
- Players are ranked by win percentage (wins ÷ matches played)
- •Minimum Requirement: Players must have played at least 2 matches for win percentage to count
- Players with fewer than 2 matches are ranked by points earned
- This ensures fair comparison regardless of match count differences
Tiebreaker System
When players have the same win percentage, they are ranked by:
- •Points Earned: Total points from the 3-2-1-0 system (highest first)
- •Head-to-Head Record: Direct matchups between tied players (if they played each other)
- •Set Win Percentage: Sets won ÷ total sets played (highest first)
- •Games Won Percentage: Individual games won ÷ total games played (highest first)
Understanding the Difference
- • Win Percentage: How often you win matches (3 wins ÷ 4 matches = 75%)
- • Games Won Percentage: How many individual games you win within those matches (42 games won ÷ 60 total games = 70%)
- • A player could win all matches but with close scores, while another wins all matches with dominant scores
Example Scenarios
- • Player A (3-1, 75% win rate) vs Player B (2-0, 100% win rate) → B ranks higher
- • Both 2-0 (100% win rate) → Higher points total ranks higher
- • Same points → Head-to-head winner ranks higher
Playoff Qualification
▸Qualification Criteria
- •Minimum Players: At least 2 players must complete the regular season
- •Qualification: Top 50% of players qualify for playoffs
- •Bracket Generation: Playoff brackets are generated automatically
- •Seeding: Players are seeded based on regular season performance
Match Results & Reporting
▸Result Submission
- •Score Entry: Match winners must enter detailed set scores
- •Verification: Both players should verify results
- •Deadline: Results must be submitted within 48 hours of match completion
- •Disputes: Any score discrepancies should be resolved between players
Code of Conduct
▸Player Behavior
- •Sportsmanship: All players must demonstrate good sportsmanship
- •Fair Play: Honest score reporting is mandatory
- •Respect: Players must respect opponents, officials, and league administrators
- •Communication: Prompt communication regarding match scheduling and results
Contact & Support
▸Getting Help
All inquiries must be submitted through the Contact Us form. This ensures proper tracking and timely response to your questions.
- •Technical Issues: Submit app-related problems via the Contact Us form
- •Rule Clarifications: Request rule interpretations through the Contact Us form
- •Match Disputes: Report unresolved match conflicts via the Contact Us form
- •General Questions: Submit all questions through the Contact Us form
Rules Updates & Amendments
These rules may be updated or amended by league administrators as needed. All players will be notified of any rule changes before they take effect. The most current version of these rules will always be available on this page.